Playsuit. Was there ever a word in the annals of fashion history that conjures up such raunchy images of debauchery and mischief? OK, catsuit would probably count. And jump suit? Let’s not go there. But the reality is actually quite tame and potentially rather chic, as far as the mainstream market is concerned.

Playsuits are usually quite loose-fitting items of clothing, ideal for a summer walk or an evening at a laid-back bar. And worn correctly they can be a lot more flattering than you might imagine. With so many different styles to choose from, there’s a style for every body and every occasion, from a brave boob tube top and daring shorts combination to the sort of thing your granny could get away with. The range of materials is wide too, from an almost negligee style chiffon to a more substantial fabric that will hold its shape whatever you do in it. With playsuits, you’re limited only by the location and your sense of decorum.

The jump suit is an altogether different proposition. There’s some variation in the cuts, and the tops come in the full range of sleeved, sleeveless and halter neck flavours; but overall the jump suit is generally a lot more sober and covering, with trousers going at least down to the ankles and usually to the ground. Again, though, they are not as unflattering as they might sound. A key point is the waist line. A tucked-in blouse and trousers would create a good deal of rucking and folding without haute couture tailoring, whereas the jump suit bypasses this pressure point completely, while still maintaining the feminine profile. A top overhanging the trousers solves the creasing problem, but then it’s much more difficult to create the feminine curves.

So on the face of it, a sleek, well fitting jump suit and a selection of playsuits should be parts of every woman’s formal and informal wardrobe, but too many of us tend to stick to the same old dresses, skirts, trousers, vests, tees and blouses year after year. It’s hard to tell why. Perhaps the playsuit’s name makes it seem a little frivolous are risque? Maybe the images conjured up by the phrase “jump suit” are influenced by a baggy, unflattering mindset that would suddenly fall into place if imagined halfway up a mountain (or, to credit the originators of the garment, jumping out of a plane).

The trick is to borrow from history. Sure, jump suits and play suits have provided us with more than their fair share of fashion disasters. But there have also been triumphs, too. Clear your mind of all this, and picture yourself in something that’s effortlessly flattering, has no awkward pinches and unwanted angles, and will do away with the hours in front of the mirror trying to complement top and bottom halves. Now get yourself to an online vintage clothing store and have a flick through some of the playsuits and jumpsuits that have been runaway successes over the decades. The perfect one-piece is out there waiting for you. And you won’t need to climb mountains to find it.

Author Bio: James is a vintage and retro clothing expert. Styles such as womens playsuits and vintage jumpsuits are just some of the items that are becoming very popular and James is an informed source on new trends and the dynamics of the vintage market.

Category: Culture
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